The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-24

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Olympic Airlines Airliner Emergency Landing Suspense in the Skies

By Vagelis Theodorou

An Olympic Airlines airliner was to forced to return to the "El. Venizelos" airport due to a technical problem that appeared shortly after takeoff. The 737-300 Boeing, which took of at 16:20 with 124 passengers and 7 crewmembers on board, was en route from Athens to Brussels. Almost half an hour later, the pilot discovered a technical problem, ie a malfunction in one of the two wheels. He immediately notified Olympic Airways' technical base and control tower and was ordered to return to the Athens international airport from precautionary reasons. Al services at the airport were on local standby, waiting for the plane to land four minutes after 18:00. The Boeing was flying around Athens until all fuel was used. Passengers left for their destination on another Olympic Airlines plane.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Karamanlis Message in View of TIF "We Will Not Back Down"

By Annita Paschalinou

At the meeting of the Political Council, the Prime Minister seemed determined to proceed with reforms for the good of the country and the people, without considering the temporary political cost. Kostas Karamanlis clarified that the government will not back down to any reactions from organised interests and privileged groups. "We are not compromising with the past," stressed the PM, noting that the path of real politics, which the government has chosen to walk on, may be the hardest but it is also the most effective. He also clarified that the government will leave nothing unanswered, but will not polarise the situation either. "Our answers are always responsible, documented and crushing," he underlined.

"Politics, Not Impressions"

"We form the agenda of political dialogue with our work and not with the Opposition's attacks," added Mr Karamanlis, predicting that PASOK accusations will be even more intense in the coming period to make its presence felt.

At that point, he even estimated that PASOK will try to twist the actual events by accusing ND for the unemployment and high prices, while there could also be personal attacks.

Closing his speech, the Prime Minister repeated the government's determination for reforms. Reforms, which as he said, can temporarily seem unpleasant but are to the benefit of the majority of civilians.

In View of the TIF

The Political Council also focused on the ND action plan in view of the Prime Ministers announcement from the Thessaloniki International Fair. According to information, Mr Karamanlis is expected to announce increases above inflation limits for 2006, motives for families with many members, a possible reinforcement of EKAS (Pensioners Social Solidarity Allowance) and OGA pensions.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Instant Messaging Network by Google "War" on Messengers

By Vagelis Theodorou

Following search engines and e-mails, messengers are the next to enter competition, since search giant Google unveiled its instant messaging network. The Google Talk system, the name of the companys messenger, allows the users to exchange messages and to have voice calls, services which are already provided by its rival systems, including ICQ, MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger. Googles move triggered concerns among the analysts, since the companys rivals are so far ahead. As per figures released by ComScore Media Metrix, ICQ messaging network has 40 million users, MSN Messenger has 14 million and Yahoo! has 20 million. Skype is by far the biggest messaging network with 51 million users. Analysts claimed that although Google is the leading search engine, it will take a lot of effort and time to develop these two networks. On their part, Google officials appear optimistic. "We are going to try to be the first in the world to connect everyone to everyone," said Georges Harik, director of new products at Google. Mr Harik also noted that Google Talk allows users from different networks to communicate.

For Gmail Users Only

Google Talk is built on an open-source system called Jabber, which allows its compatibility with other systems based on it, including ICQ and Apples iChat.

Googles Messenger tester is available on the Internet. However, only Gmail users can download it.

However, Jabber is currently out of use, while net telephone service works only with Googles Desktop Search. As for the future, Google hopes to provide net telephone service between computers and telephone machines and vice versa. Skype already provides the service in question.

Search giant Google has set to produce a cluster of programmes that converts the Internet into an operating system, following Windows example. Rival companies also adopt similar moves.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

Google Talk

[04] Built Like a Champion A Barking Rocky

By Vicky Keleri

His name is Ringo Tsar and his age is 15 months. The young Russian terrier is training in martial arts by his owner, Russ Williams, a former World Kick Boxing Champion. Williams decided to teach his dog the secrets of the sport, believing that it has the perception and the skills required to become a great boxer. Thus, Ringo entered a training program and can already boast about his strong punches that can knock out its opponents. His owner states that he is satisfied with Ringos progress and we hope that he will admire him as a Champion one day!

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Problems with the Security of Flights Alavanos-OSYPA Meeting

By Vagelis Theodorou

SYN President Alekos Alavanos spoke of serious problems regarding the safety of the flights provided by the airline companies that operate in Greece, after his meeting with the Federation of Civil Aviation Employees Union (OSYPA). Mr Alavanos said that the rented planes from Asian and African airline companies, which are not subject to any technical checks, and the replacement of Civil Aviation Authoritys technicians with counsels deficient in technical qualifications, are some of the examples that prove the lack of security. At the same time, SYN President announced that his party is to request a special committee in Parliament be introduced to investigate the security standards and checks conducted on flights. He also called on the Opposition parties to back SYNs proposal.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Five Fires Are Still in Progress Portugal on Alert

By Vicky Keleri

The fire inferno that claimed the lives of 15 people and blazed through 180,000 hectares of forested areas, burning down 100 houses and 500 farms in Portugal, is gradually being extinguished. Thanks to the efforts of firemen, most of the 22 fires burning at the central and northern part of the country have been placed under control and only five fronts are still blazing their way through the country. These fronts are in Coimbra and Viseu, in central Portugal, and one in the north province of Viana do Castello. However, thousands of firemen are still on alert as temperature today exceeded 36 degrees and there are fears of renewed outbreaks in six provinces. In the meantime, Authorities were alarmed when a fire plane crashed in Sao Pedro do Soul after sustaining a mechanical failure. Thankfully, it's 26-year-old pilot was not hurt but remains hospitalised with a few scratches for precautionary reasons.

Need for Immediate Measures

President Jorge Sampaio asked the Portuguese government to take all necessary measures for the preservation of forests. At the same time, he called his compatriots once to more to show national unity for putting out the fires, which have destroyed over 180,000 hectares of forested areas since January.

As he stressed, a great percentage of forests is not preserved and asked the government to take action against those who do not care, reminding that 90% of the country's forests are private property.

Related News:

Lethal Fires Continue to Burn

[07] Meeting Over Budget Growth Over 3.5%

By Vagelis Theodorou

The main axes of the Governments financial policy for 2006 in view of Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis announcements at the Thessaloniki International Fair, topped the agenda during a wide meeting at the Ministry of Economy today. As it was decided, the Governments aims are the reduction of overspending in the Public Sector, the limitation of tax evasion and the exploitation of Community funds. According to information, the growth rate for 2006 is expected to vary from 3.5% to 4%, the restraint of expenses will drop below 5% and income will increase by 7%-8%, while public deficit is expected to drop below 3% of the GDP by the end of the year. The draft budget will be submitted to Parliament early October and its predictions, as per the financial team, will be realistic and in the context of what has been set by the revised Stability and Growth Programme.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] 50% of the Expenditure for Computer Networks Ì.Å.ÔÅ×.Ù for Medium-Sized Businesses

By Vagelis Theodorou

Interior and Development Ministers presented Ì.Å.ÔÅ×.Ù, (Small and Middle-Sized Businesses and Technological Impetus for the Information Society), a programme aiming at boosting small and medium-sized businesses employing up to 10 people and providing the businesses with incentives in order to install computer equipment. The programme, whose total cost stands at 26 billion euros, is to subsidize the 50% of the expenditure for the supply of computer equipment, including laptops, scanners, printers as well as Internet subscriptions and electronic databases. Any business interested in the programme should file an application either electronically on Ì.Å.ÔÅ×.Ù website or via KEP (Citizen Service Centres). The applications will be automatically processed and results will be available to those interested. To approve a subsidy, the business should have completed one fiscal year and should have submitted a tax return at least once. The filing of the applications commenced on July 11 and is to last until September 15, while Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that new deadlines are likely to be set.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

Ì.Å.ÔÅ×.Ù

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